Chapter 119: You Cannot Kill Me

The appearance of Zhangsun Wuji at this moment was not difficult to understand. As the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, he held the reins of official selection, acting as the ultimate arbiter of whether the scholars who passed the imperial examinations would ever be granted a post. It was highly probable that he was also the chief examiner for this round of examinations. However, what Lu Xin had not anticipated was that Lu Tingfang would be accompanying him.

With the examinations imminent, in what capacity was Lu Tingfang following at Zhangsun Wuji’s side? Was he assisting the Minister of Rites in presiding over the examinations, or was he there to participate in them? If it were the latter, then given Lu Tingfang’s literary genius, who in this world could possibly compete with him?

In that very moment, upon seeing Lu Tingfang, Lu Xin realized that the development of events might be far beyond his own imagination. He was not the only one who had transmigrated into this world. On the contrary, Lu Tingfang was the one who possessed every conceivable advantage of a transmigrator.

He was clever, erudite, well-versed in history, and possessed immense natural talent. Give such a person a springboard, and he would be like a carp leaping over the Dragon Gate, rising straight to the top.

In terms of knowledge, Lu Tingfang was a modern high school student standing at the forefront of his era. Using history as a mirror, he understood the rise and fall of dynasties and was well-versed in both ancient and modern affairs. The content of the Tang Dynasty’s imperial examinations—the "five strategies on current affairs"—would be effortless for him.

In terms of poetic talent, Lu Tingfang knew Han rhapsodies, Tang poetry, Song lyrics, and Yuan drama by heart! From the Poet Immortal Li Bai and the Poet Sage Du Fu to the Poet King Bai Juyi, Li Shangyin—the master of literary allusions in the Tang Dynasty—as well as Du Mu, Meng Haoran, and so many others—Lu Tingfang could recite the masterpieces of every poet destined to shine in the Tang Dynasty with ease.

In terms of prose, the works of the Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song were all at his fingertips. For a modern top student, the imperial examinations were simply too easy.

The most terrifying part was that whether it was Li Bai, Du Fu, Han Yu, or Su Shi, they were all far from being born in this third year of the Zhenguan era. Lu Tingfang, at this moment, was capable of eclipsing everyone else's brilliance. If he were to take the imperial examinations and enter the bureaucracy, he might bring about unimaginable changes for those who followed.

In contrast, Lu Xin was merely a modern academic underachiever with no real talent to speak of. He couldn't even remember more than a few lines of Li Bai’s poetry. Such a person was destined never to hold office. Even having transmigrated, he held no real advantage.

The moment Lu Xin saw Lu Tingfang, the latter naturally saw him as well. The two brothers had not met since parting in Xiaoxi Town, and now, seeing each other for the second time, neither showed any expression, passing by like strangers. Zhangsun Wuji’s arrival caused Liu Zhi’s expression to shift slightly, and he immediately retracted his dharma sword. Once the Spirit Official withdrew his hand, the other yin-yang masters of the Imperial Shrine ceased their actions, appearing extremely respectful.

"Lord Zhangsun? Your arrival is most timely, my lord. You must preside over justice for this humble official."

As soon as Sun Denyu heard that the Duke of Qi had arrived, he feigned immense grievance and limped toward the sedan chair. Zhangsun Wuji’s status was the highest among all the civil and military officials in the court; he was, in essence, truly second only to the Emperor. The guards did not obstruct Sun Denyu as he approached. Moments later, Zhangsun Wuji, dressed in the official robes of the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, stepped out of the sedan chair.

"What has happened to you, Chancellor? You are a veteran official of three reigns and one of the four chief examiners for this imperial examination. How did you come to be in such a state..."

After stepping out of the sedan, Zhangsun Wuji first cast a glance at Luo Binwang, who was trapped by the bronze bell. Only then did he feign shock and inquire about Sun Denyu’s injuries. Seeing this, Lu Xin sneered and silently descended from the willow tree. It was clear that this famous Duke of Qi had arrived neither too early nor too late, but precisely at this moment by design.

"Many thanks for your concern, Lord Zhangsun. It is shameful to admit, but I fear I shall fail the Emperor’s great kindness in my role as chief examiner."

Sun Denyu was a man in his sixties, while Zhangsun Wuji was only in his thirties. Yet, before him, Sun Denyu wept bitterly, showing none of the composure expected of an elder. As he wept, he recounted the events to Zhangsun Wuji, painting Luo Binwang as an unforgivable villain. Throughout the process, neither the party from the Imperial Shrine nor the scions of the great noble clans dared to move.

Zhangsun Wuji’s reputation was known throughout the realm. Even if ordinary scholars had not met the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, it was impossible for the scions of the noble houses not to recognize him. Zheng Huiming and the others, in particular, had thoroughly researched the examiners for this imperial examination before leaving home.

Nominally, the imperial court had dispatched four chief examiners. However, there had to be a leader among them, and that person was the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Zhangsun Wuji, whom Li Shimin trusted most.

What was the Ministry of Personnel? It was the head of the Six Ministries, responsible for the appointment, assessment, promotion, demotion, ennoblement, and transfer of all civil officials in the empire. In other words, the power of the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel was so vast that it permeated every position and aspect of the imperial court. From the appointments of officials in provinces, prefectures, and counties to those in the central government, everything was linked to the Ministry of Personnel.

"Brother Huiming, before I left for the capital to take the exams, my father told me there were four chief examiners: Grand Tutor Li Gang of the Eastern Palace, Chancellor Sun Denyu of the Imperial Academy, Left Chancellor Fang Xuanling of the Secretariat, and this Minister of Rites, Lord Zhangsun. Of the four, the only one who can truly decide our fate is Zhangsun Wuji."

"Brother Xuiding is right. I traveled from Jiangzhou to the capital, and before I left, my grandfather repeatedly urged me to cultivate a relationship with Lord Zhangsun. With our talent, while the Jinshi examination is difficult, we are certain to pass. But even if we pass, the selection for official posts is handled by the Ministry of Personnel. In the end, out of the four examiners, we only need to win the favor of Lord Zhangsun."

"You both speak wisely. But for now, let us see how Lord Zhangsun handles the matter at hand."

Lu Houze turned the ring on his finger twice and glanced back at the middle-aged scholar who had remained silent throughout. Seeing the man nod, he turned his gaze toward Cui Xiangrong not far away. He saw the scion of the Boling Cui clan with his eyes lowered, lost in thought. Further away, the youth under the willow tree appeared composed, showing not a hint of panic. This scene left him deeply astonished.

After a few more moments, Zhangsun Wuji finished listening to Sun Denyu’s account and personally helped the old man to the steps of the Hongwen Hall. Then, with a stern expression, he scanned the surroundings. His immense official authority caused the scholars from various prefectures to lower their heads, not daring to meet his gaze. Meanwhile, more and more scholars were gathering from all directions. The start of the imperial examination was drawing ever closer.

"Scholars, I am Zhangsun Wuji. By the Emperor’s grace, I hold the title of Minister of Rites and am one of the four chief examiners for this imperial examination. Yet, with the examinations imminent, someone has caused such a disturbance at the Hongwen Hall—it is a waste of one's study of the sage’s teachings and a betrayal of the court’s grace. As for the details, Chancellor Sun has already informed me. However, truth and falsehood have their own public judgment; one should not listen to only one side. Otherwise, to lose fairness and damage the dignity of the court is a small matter, but to chill the Emperor’s heart in selecting the virtuous is a great one. Therefore, I wish to hear your opinions on how to deal with the troublemaker."

"So it is the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Lord Zhangsun. This student, Zheng Huiming, pays his respects."

As soon as Zhangsun Wuji finished speaking, Zheng Huiming, leading Wang Xuiding and the others, walked to the front of the crowd. With a respectful expression, he bowed. His swift reaction caused even Cui Xiangrong to frown.

"Oh? The surname Zheng... If my eyes do not deceive me, the fan in your hand is the white-feather fan of the Xingyang Zheng clan, is it not? How are you related to the Governor of Jiangzhou, Lord Zheng Shanguo?"

"In reply to the Minister, Zheng Shanguo is my grandfather."

"I see. A true product of a scholarly family—your etiquette is perfect. Come to think of it, at the beginning of the year, when Lord Zheng returned to Chang'an to report on his duties, I met with him. At that time, the old gentleman wanted to resign from his post at the Ministry of Personnel, but as he was the Governor of Qizhou, a high-ranking official of the border, how could I make such a decision? In the end, the matter went to the Emperor, and he was reassigned as the Governor of Jiangzhou, allowing the court to retain him. It is hard to believe that autumn is already approaching."

"My Zheng family has benefited from the great grace of the court and the Emperor, and we shall naturally serve with all our might until our dying day."

"Very good. Since that is the case, tell me: this person has caused such a disturbance at the Hongwen Hall—how should the court handle it? And all of you, this imperial examination is for the Jinshi degree. The test requires five strategies on current affairs; the court seeks talented individuals capable of governing. Let the scholars use this as a topic and offer their suggestions."

Zhangsun Wuji first praised Zheng Huiming, making no attempt to hide his connection to his grandfather, Zheng Shanguo. Then, he looked at the other scholars, signaling them to offer their views. This act was equivalent to directly convicting Luo Binwang. To Lu Xin, it felt as though a group of high and mighty people were surrounding a monkey to mock it.

"My lord, we were present the entire time. The matter is not complex; it was this unruly commoner who refused to respect the imperial system and kept clamoring, which caused this commotion. According to our laws, this person has disrupted the examination hall and attacked a court official. Even with a lenient sentence, he should be exiled to the military frontier and never permitted to hold office. However, this student suggests a severe punishment—at the very least, a sentence of death awaiting review, to serve as a warning to others."

"Indeed, my lord. This person is utterly arrogant. Chancellor Sun has already been very magnanimous toward him, yet he not only shows no gratitude but escalates his actions, attempting to kill the scholars present. It is sheer madness. If he is not severely punished, it will not be enough to uphold the law or reflect the majesty of the court."

"Well said, he must be severely punished to serve as a warning. My lord, I am Zhang Yuzhi, and it was this villain who severed my hands and feet..."

Once Zhangsun Wuji asked for everyone’s opinion, the area in front of the Hongwen Hall erupted into an uproar. Every voice demanded the severe punishment of Luo Binwang, as if they would not rest until he was dead. Zhangsun Wuji listened for a moment without changing his expression, then waved his hand to silence the crowd.

"I have heard all your opinions. Since there are no dissenting views, I shall, in my capacity as chief examiner, pronounce a temporary judgment."

"Lord Zhangsun, who says there are no dissenting views?"